Idaho is not one of those places where you travel specifically to see a live theatrical event, as you would travel to New York just to go to Broadway. But as long as you’re here, why not experience the guts of theater? The small, community-based theaters that dot the country. You’ll be surprised at the quality of talent out in these scattered towns. The actors, the behind-the-scenes crews, and the audiences are usually passionate about theater, and it shows. Here are some of the places throughout Idaho where live theater will be on the menu for the evening.

In north Idaho, the mountains rise high and crash down into stunning lakes. It’s a favorite place to travel in the state because of this natural beauty. While you’re here, visit Lake City Playhouse and Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre both in Coeur d’Alene.

Idaho Falls is a big cultural and arts oriented town, surprisingly so for its size. Your entertainment dollar will go far at the Colonial Theater and Actors Repertory.

An hour to the southwest, you can stop in for a seat at the Westside Players in Pocatello.

The Wood River Valley, noted for the popular and ritzy vacation resort Sun Valley, also sports some outlying towns with live theater venues. In Ketchum, NexStage and in nearby Hailey, the renowned Company of Fools.

The capital city, Boise, is host to several really good theater companies. Boise Contemporary Theater puts on five to six shows per season, plus stages readings, children’s series. Knock ‘Em Dead is a dinner theater where the characters from the play serve you a theme-related meal before the show. The Idaho Shakespeare Festival serves up outdoor shows all summer long in its beautiful amphitheater along the Boise River. Numerous other community theaters throughout the city offer a variety of shows all year long.